JFA Takes on Global Warming

According to Japan Football Association President, Saburo Kawabuchi, the goal of the JFA is "to create a fertile sporting culture through football and to contribute to the healthy growth of people's minds and bodies and the development of society." In line with these principles the organization is tackling global warming through the “Team Minus 6%” Initiative.

Established in 1921, the Japan Football Association (JFA) has taken some major steps in establishing itself as a sporting body, most notably with the launching of Japan’s professional football league, the J-League, in 1993 and co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2002.

Just as FIFA has introduced the "Green Goal" initiative to reduce the environmental impact of the World Cup, the JFA has introduced steps to tackle environmental problems--most notably by promoting the increase of natural grass at stadiums across the country and taking part in the "Team Minus 6%" initiative promoted by the Ministry for the Environment.

Based on the principles laid out in the Kyoto Protocol, Team Minus 6% is a national movement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and prevent global warming using the following measures;
1. Saving energy by reducing room temperature settings.
2. Careful use of water resources to reduce overall consumption
3. Careful consumer choices to reduce overall consumption of resources
4. Careful use of vehicles to reduce emissions
5. Reduce consumption and waste production
6. Careful use of electricity to reduce overall consumption

In addition to increasing the use of natural grass at football grounds, the JFA is working with the J-League to cut down on 'idling' among J-League and other team buses and vehicles. These activities have been implemented throughout the 47 local football associations, unions, other organizations and the entire national soccer family. These efforts are also publicized through media channels at all internationals and major J-League/ JFA games.

Environmental activities have also been introduced around stadiums, such as an 'after-game' initiative where supporters get involved in collecting and separating garbage. Participants receive a certificate of participation and the drive has attracted international praise. A recycling program has also been introduced using special paper cups donated by the official sponsor, Kirin. Specially designed garbage boxes are stationed around the ground to collect the used cups, which are then recycled.

In an effort to increase environmental awareness, the Ecoflag—the symbol of an international drive by sports enthusiasts to secure a healthy ecosystem for our future generations—has been flown at some of the most important soccer events in the JFA calendar. Both the Emperor's Cup and the All-Japan Women's Soccer Finals display the Ecoflag on the stadium big screen and announcements are made explaining the goals of the Ecoflag Movement.

On a club level, a number of J-League teams have also participated in the Ecoflag Movement, including Albirex Niigata, Oita Trinita, Jubilo Iwate, Tokyo Verdi 1969 and Ehime FC.

For more information on the Japan Football Association, see:
http://www.jfa.or.jp/e/index.html

LINK :
Japan Football Association (JFA)